Men's Clothing Store Doesn't Box Itself In

Ron Elkus and Rod Brown offer much more than the typical "How can I help you?" when customers walk in the door. 

Maybe it's because no one who walks into their store, , is a typical customer.

Ray and Carol Tisch of Brighton have been coming to the Shirt Box since it opened 30 years ago. They say it’s the quality of the products and the friendliness of the staff that make it "worth the drive."

Elkus opened the store fresh out of Michigan State University. He had been hired for a job in Chicago but could not resist the opportunity to open his own store. He said he did not know about the risks of starting a business, but thinks that was for the best.

“I just knew that it sounded good and why not?” Elkus said. “This opportunity came up and I thought, ‘How could I turn it down?’”

Brown joined the company as a partner seven years ago, but he has been involved for many more years. Brown has known Elkus his whole life and in high school he started working at the store. After practicing law for 13 years, Brown returned to retail.

“I always loved it. I loved working here in 10th, 11th, 12th grade and a little bit in college too,” Brown said. “Thankfully, there was an opportunity.”

Longtime customer Rev. David Johnson brought a tie into the store to see how Brown would pair it up. The two leaned over a table covered in shirts debating for nearly 20 minutes before picking one out.

“They have been taking care of me for years,” Johnson said. “(Brown) is so good at what he does.”

The service provided at the Shirt Box is unlike that of a larger store. Elkus said that people not only like to shop locally, but also like the “old-style service” provided.

“I know people’s names, I know their kids and I know their grandchildren,” Elkus said. “I think that’s really important.”

Sales associate Diane Starr remembers customers and their stories, some of which they will only share with her.  

“There’s a comfort when they walk in the door,” said Starr. “It’s like a family.”

This openness and talking to the customer is what has sustained the business for three decades. Brown credits the diversity of the Farmington Hills community as well.

“Our customer base is amazingly diverse,” Brown said. “We can’t be categorized into one niche market.”

The store will be holding a charity event May 12-14 to benefit the Neighborhood Service Organization. Anyone can bring in gently used clothing and receive money toward a purchase at the store.

Another event to celebrate the anniversary is the Late Night at The Shirt Box happening June 16. The event will feature deals on clothing as well as representatives from local stores such as . Vodka and cigar reps will also be hand.